In 2025, the UK will mark the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory in Japan (VJ) Day, two pivotal moments that have shaped modern history. To support museums in commemorating these events, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) has announced a special, one-off grant scheme: Victory 80 – Victory in Europe and Victory in Japan Commemoration Programme.
Working in 20 towns, cities and villages across the country, and with an emphasis on economically excluded communities outside of London, the programme of funding will enable creative and cultural activity from museums in response to VE/VJ day.
These programmes will support social cohesion and inclusion as a national story/effort and will enable museums sitting at the heart of their communities to connect via storytelling around shared history and collective futures. The grants will seek to achieve:
- an emphasis on economically excluded communities
- extensive grassroots community reach
- creative and cultural activity delivered by museums in response to VE/VJ day
Administered by Arts Council England and the Museum Development England network, this £415,000 national fund will enable 20 museums across the country to create impactful and creative events that reflect on VE/VJ Day. Five museums in the South West area will each receive £20,000 in funding to develop community-driven activities that honour the legacy of the Second World War.
What Does the Grant Support?
Museums awarded funding will be able to use the grant for a range of activities, which address themes of remembrance, freedom, thanks and cohesion, including:
- Creative and cultural community engagement projects that commemorate and reflect on Victory in Europe and Victory in Japan
- Exhibitions and displays focused on wartime history, including conservation and collection care
- Freelance support for events and outreach, helping museums reach wider audiences
- Volunteer involvement, ensuring community participation in commemorations
- Backfill staffing costs to enable museums to deliver high-quality programming
Who Can Apply?
This funding is available to Accredited, Officially Working Towards Accreditation, non-National Portfolio Organisations and non-national museums in the South West of England Arts Council England Area. Eligibility includes museum organisations that are currently receiving Museum Development South West (MDSW) grants. Due to the short timeframe, we will work with museums that already have VE/VJ events planned and are looking to amplify, expand and /or sustain their programming.
How to Get Involved
To ensure funding reaches the right museums, we will run an Expression of Interest process, identifying organisations best positioned to deliver impactful projects. Museums that qualify will receive support to develop a full grant application. Please contact your local MDO to discuss your interest in this grant scheme and receive further information. If for any reason you cannot contact your local MDO please email [email protected]
While VE Day is on Thursday 8 May 2025, and VJ Day is on Friday 15 August 2025, museums do not have to start their grant funded activities by these dates. However, to be eligible for this grant funding it is expected that museums will have existing VE and, or VJ activity plans in place which can be amplified through the DCMS grant funding. However, all project activity and grant claims process must be completed in the current financial year 2025/26.
For more details on grant opportunities from Museum Development South West please visit our website grant page. This grant programme operates through an initial Expression of Interest (EOI) prior to full application. To request an EOI form please speak to either your Museum Development Officer or email [email protected].
- Expressions of Interest will close 9am Monday 14 April
- Full application deadline 9am Tuesday 6 May
- Awards confirmed within 14 days of application
National promotion and marketing resources can be found on the VE and VJ Day 80 dedicated website which includes opportunities to promote your activities or events, alongside a VE and VJ 80 Toolkit which can be accessed directly from the above website link.
For any further guidance, alternative access requirements or information please contact your local MDO or MDSW on [email protected]